U.S. patent application number 14/680460 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for package inspection system.
The applicant listed for this patent is System Square Inc.. Invention is credited to Noriaki IKEDA.
Application Number | 20150241341 14/680460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50488032 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150241341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IKEDA; Noriaki |
August 27, 2015 |
PACKAGE INSPECTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A package inspection system includes a conveyor mechanism 6, an
X-ray generator 10 applying X rays to a package W1 conveyed by the
conveyor mechanism 6, an X-ray sensor 13, and an optical sensor 15.
First image data showing the outline of the content of the package
W1 are generated based on detection output from the X-ray sensor
13. Second image data showing the outline of the wrapping of the
package W1 are generated based on detection output from an optical
sensor 15. The relative position of the wrapping and the content is
determined based on the first and second image data, so that
failures, e.g., the content caught in a seal of the wrapping can be
detected accurately. The package inspection system can accurately
determine a position of a wrapping and the content of a package
even if a package has a light non-transmissive wrapping.
Inventors: |
IKEDA; Noriaki;
(Nagaoka-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
System Square Inc. |
Nagaoka-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
50488032 |
Appl. No.: |
14/680460 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2013/076983 |
Oct 3, 2013 |
|
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14680460 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
250/338.1 ;
378/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 57/10 20130101;
G01N 33/02 20130101; G01N 23/10 20130101; G01V 5/0016 20130101;
H04N 5/33 20130101; G01N 21/84 20130101; G01N 23/083 20130101; G01N
21/90 20130101; G01N 2021/845 20130101; H04N 5/32 20130101; G01N
21/3581 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 21/3581 20060101
G01N021/3581; H04N 5/33 20060101 H04N005/33; H04N 5/32 20060101
H04N005/32; G01V 5/00 20060101 G01V005/00; G01N 21/84 20060101
G01N021/84 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 17, 2012 |
JP |
2012-229565 |
Claims
1. A package inspection system comprising: a conveyor mechanism for
conveying a package having a content in a wrapping; an irradiation
part for irradiating the moving package with an X ray or a
terahertz wave; an electromagnetic-wave detection part for
detecting the X ray or terahertz wave transmitted through the
package; an optical detection part for taking an optical image of
the moving package; and a controller, the conveyor mechanism having
a gap, an electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking line
coinciding with center of a detection area of the
electromagnetic-wave detection part and passing through the gap,
the controller being configured to determine positional
relationship between the wrapping and the content based on first
image data obtained from detection output from the
electromagnetic-wave detection part and second image data obtained
from detection output from optical detection part.
2. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
irradiation part is provided at one side of the conveyor mechanism,
and the electromagnetic-wave detection part is provided at the
other side thereof.
3. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
optical detection part is configured to detect light passing the
package.
4. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein an
illumination part is provided at one side of the conveyance
mechanism, and the optical detection part is provided at the other
side thereof such that an optical detection image-taking line
coinciding with center of a detection area of the optical detection
part passes through the gap.
5. The package inspection system according to claim 4, wherein the
electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking line and the optical
detection image-taking line cross each other in the gap.
6. The package inspection system according to claim 4, wherein the
electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking line and the optical
detection image-taking line pass through the gap, and the optical
detection image-taking line is reflected by a reflection member to
extend toward the optical detection part.
7. The package inspection system according to claim 6, wherein the
electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking line and the optical
detection image-taking line coincide with each other in the
gap.
8. The package inspection system according to claim 6, wherein the
electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking line and the optical
detection image-taking line are parallel to each other in the
gap.
9. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
electromagnetic-wave detection part and the optical detection part
are located apart from each other in a moving direction of the
package, and a position sensor is provided upstream of these
detection parts, enabling the first image data and the second image
data to coincide in relative position with each other based on
detection output from the position sensor.
10. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
conveyor mechanism is separated into an upstream conveyor mechanism
and a downstream conveyor mechanism such that the gap lies in
between the upstream conveyor mechanism and the downstream conveyor
mechanism.
11. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein a
wave path length from a package conveyance reference plane to the
irradiation part is equal to a light path length from the
conveyance reference plane to the optical detection part.
12. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
electromagnetic-wave detection part and the optical detection part
are located in an electromagnetic-wave shielding zone.
13. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
judgment section is configured to determine positional relationship
between the wrapping and the content by superposing the first image
data and the second image data.
14. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
judgment section is configured to determine positional relationship
between the wrapping and the content by comparing the first image
data and the second image data.
15. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
judgment section is configured to determine whether or not the
content is caught in a seal of the wrapping.
16. The package inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the
judgment section is configured to determine whether or not the
content is properly enclosed in the wrapping.
17. The package inspection system according to claim 13, further
including a display unit and enabling the display unit to display a
superimposed image obtained from the first image data and the
second image data.
18. The package inspection system according to claim 17, which is
controlled to display either an image obtained from the first image
data or an image obtained from the second image data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
International Application PCT/JP2013/076983, entitled "Apparatus
for Inspecting Packaging Body", filed on Oct. 3, 2013, which claims
priority to Japanese Patent Application 2012-229565, filed on Oct.
17, 2012. The contents of these applications are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a package inspection system
capable of determining the relative position of a wrapping and a
content of a package through the use of both an
electromagnetic-wave detector for detecting X rays or terahertz
waves and an optical detector.
RELATED ART
[0003] In the process of manufacturing a package containing foods,
an inspection system utilizing X rays has been used. Such an
inspection system has been mainly used to examine whether or not
any foreign body other than foods is present in the package.
[0004] If not only the presence of foreign bodies but also the
relative position of the wrapping and the content of the package
can be accurately determined using image data acquired by the
inspection system utilizing X rays, it becomes possible to
simultaneously determine whether or not a seal failure is caused by
the content caught in a seal of the wrapping or whether or not the
content is held in a proper storage position of the wrapping, for
example.
[0005] However, since the wrapping is formed of a thin packaging
material, the outline of the wrapping cannot be detected from the
image data acquired by the X-ray sensor, unlike the outline of the
content. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the relative
position of the content and the wrapping by the inspection system
utilizing X rays.
[0006] In an X-ray inspection system disclosed in Patent Literature
1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2011-196796, data representative of the outline of a package are
previously stored in a memory. From an X-ray image of a packaging
material of the package, an image of a relatively thick part such
as zipper is taken as a reference image. Then, the outline data
stored in the memory and the reference image are used to estimate
the distance from the zipper image to a seal and reproduce the
outline of the packaging material. Then, the estimated positional
information of the seal and the image of the content acquired by
the X-ray sensor are used to determine whether or not the content
is caught in the seal.
[0007] Patent Literatures 2 to 4 disclose an inspection system
provided with both an X-ray detector and an optical detector.
[0008] In the inspection system disclosed in Patent Literature 2:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H05-322803,
an image of X rays transmitted through a sample is taken by a
camera, while visible light is applied to the same sample and an
image of reflected visible light is taken by the same camera, so
that the X-ray image and the reflected visible light image are
displayed on the same display. In this inspection system, the
relative position of a metal plate in the sample, which can be seen
only in the X-ray image, and a mark on the surface of the sample,
which can be seen only in the reflected visible light image, can be
checked on the display.
[0009] The inspection system disclosed in Patent Literature 3:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-208098
has an X-ray foreign body detection device equipped with a conveyor
belt for conveying an object to be inspected. With the conveyor
belt between, the X-ray foreign body detection device has an X-ray
source at the upper side and an X-ray line sensor at the lower
side. The X-ray foreign body detection device also has a CCD camera
for taking an external optical image of an object to be
inspected.
[0010] This inspection system is configured such that specific
identification information such as serial number put on an object
to be inspected is obtained by taking the external optical image
and a single synthesis inspection image obtained by combining the
result of the X-ray inspection with the specific identification
information is recorded on an accumulation/record means.
[0011] In the inspection system disclosed in Patent Literature 4:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-42172,
an image-taking part having an illumination device and a CCD camera
and an X-ray inspection part having an X-ray source and an X-ray
detector are disposed along a conveyance path of a transport
conveyor. A work to be conveyed by the transport conveyor is of a
packaging sheet having a plurality of pockets at regular intervals,
bonded around the pockets to have seals, and perforated for
separation into individual pockets.
[0012] In this inspection system, the seal length of the seal can
be measured by optical detection with the image-taking part, and
the inspection area including the pocket can be determined based on
the measured seal length. Then, the inspection is performed to
determine whether or not the content detected by the X-ray detector
coincides with the pocket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem to be Solved
[0013] In the X-ray inspection system disclosed in Patent
Literature 1, since the data representative of the outline of a
package to be inspected have to be stored in the memory, the
preparatory work prior to the inspection is complicated. In
addition, new outline data have to be stored every time the type of
a package to be inspected changes, which makes the preparatory work
more complicated.
[0014] Moreover, when the inspection is performed on a package
formed of a packaging material having a thick part such as zipper,
the zipper can be taken as a reference image; but when the
inspection is performed on a package formed of a generally-thin
packaging material not having a zipper, the reference image cannot
be acquired from the X-ray image data and therefore, the relative
position of the X-ray image data and the outline data cannot be
determined, which makes it virtually impossible to accurately
reproduce the outline of the packaging material.
[0015] On the other hand, Patent Literatures 2 to 4 disclose an
inspection system provided with both an X-ray detector and an
optical detector.
[0016] However, the inspection system disclosed in Patent
Literature 2 or 3 is designed to inspect an object with X rays and
also acquire an image of a mark or specific identification
information displayed on the surface of the object to be inspected
through the optical detection with visible light and therefore is
not capable of acquiring an entire image of a package so as to
check the relative position of the outline of the package and a
content.
[0017] In the inspection system disclosed in Patent Literature 4,
the image-taking part having a CCD camera is located apart from the
X-ray inspection part. When a work, e.g., a packaging sheet
extending continuously in the conveyance direction is to be
inspected, therefore, the work has substantially the same attitude
when it is passing the X-ray inspection part and when it is passing
the image-taking part. However, if the work is realized in an
individual package formed by individually wrapping a content, the
work may change in attitude between when it is passing the X-ray
inspection part and when it is passing the image-taking part, so
that the image acquired by the X-ray inspection part may be
different in attitude from the image of the same work acquired by
the image-taking part.
[0018] Moreover, since any inspection system disclosed in Patent
Literatures 2 to 4 is configured such that X rays are allowed to
pass through the transport conveyor for detection by the X-ray
detector, the transport conveyor slightly appears in the X-ray
image. Therefore, if the conveyor belt has a scratch or a foreign
body attached thereto, they also appear in the X-ray image and may
be erroneously identified as a foreign body in the work.
[0019] In any inspection system disclosed in Patent Literatures 2
to 4, furthermore, the light reflected from the work is received as
an image to be taken by visible light. Therefore, there is a
likelihood that the outline of the wrapping cannot be accurately
taken because light reflection varies according to the material of
the wrapping of the work.
[0020] The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned
problem in the prior art and has an object to provide a package
inspection system capable of accurately determining the outline of
a wrapping and accurately determining the relative position of the
outline of the wrapping and a content detected in X-ray image
data.
Solution to Problem
[0021] The present invention is characterized by comprising: a
conveyor mechanism for conveying a package having a content in a
wrapping; an irradiation part for irradiating the moving package
with an X ray or a terahertz wave; an electromagnetic-wave
detection part for detecting the X ray or terahertz wave
transmitted through the package; an optical detection part for
taking an optical image of the moving package; and a controller,
the conveyor mechanism having a gap, an electromagnetic-wave
detection image-taking line coinciding with center of a detection
area of the electromagnetic-wave detection part and passing through
the gap, the controller being configured to determine positional
relationship between the wrapping and the content based on first
image data obtained from detection output from the
electromagnetic-wave detection part and second image data obtained
from detection output from optical detection part.
[0022] In the package inspection system according to the present
invention, since the conveyor mechanism has a gap and the X ray or
terahertz wave is allowed to pass through the gap, when image data
are taken while the package is passing above the gap, a scratch on
a conveyor belt or a foreign body attached to the conveyor belt is
prevented from being captured in the image data, making it possible
to obtain clear X-ray or terahertz-wave image.
[0023] In the present invention, the irradiation part may be
provided at one side of the conveyance mechanism, and the
electromagnetic-wave detection part may be provided at the other
side thereof.
[0024] In the present invention, preferably, the optical detection
part is configured to detect light passing the package. That is, an
illumination part may be provided at one side of the conveyance
mechanism, and the optical detection part may be provided at the
other side thereof such that an optical detection image-taking line
coinciding with center of a detection area of the optical detection
part passes through the gap.
[0025] The outline image of the package can be accurately obtained
by applying light to the package and detecting the light having
passed the package with the optical detection part. On the other
hand, if the package has a light transmissive wrapping, the content
may be inspected only by the optical detection part.
[0026] Moreover, if the electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking
line and the optical detection image-taking line pass through the
same gap, the image data of the content and the image data of the
wrapping can be obtained from the package moving in a fixed
position at a certain moment, so that the relative position of the
content and the wrapping can be determined with high accuracy. For
example, the electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking line and
the optical detection image-taking line may cross each other in the
gap.
[0027] In the present invention, the electromagnetic-wave detection
image-taking line and the optical detection image-taking line may
pass through the gap, and the optical detection image-taking line
may be reflected by a reflection member to extend toward the
optical detection part.
[0028] In this case, the electromagnetic-wave detection
image-taking line and the optical detection image-taking line
coincide with each other in the gap. Alternatively, the
electromagnetic-wave detection image-taking line and the optical
detection image-taking line are parallel to each other in the
gap.
[0029] In the present invention, the electromagnetic-wave detection
part and the optical detection part may be located apart from each
other in a moving direction of the package, and a positon sensor
may be provided upstream of these detection parts, enabling the
first image data and the second image data to coincide in relative
position with each other based on detection output from the
position sensor.
[0030] The conveyor mechanism may be separated into an upstream
conveyor mechanism and a downstream conveyor mechanism such that
the gap lies in between the upstream conveyor mechanism and the
downstream conveyor mechanism.
[0031] In the present invention, preferably, a wave path length
from a package conveyance reference plane to the irradiation part
is equal to a light path length from the conveyance reference plane
to the optical detection part.
[0032] In the present invention, preferably, the
electromagnetic-wave detection part and the optical detection part
are located in an electromagnetic-wave shielding zone.
[0033] The judgment section is configured to determine positional
relationship between the wrapping and the content by superposing
the first image data and the second image data. Alternatively, the
judgment section is configured to determine positional relationship
between the wrapping and the content by comparing the first image
data and the second image data.
[0034] As a result, whether or not the content is caught in a seal
of the wrapping can be determined at the judgment section.
Alternatively, whether or not the content is properly enclosed in
the wrapping can be determined at the judgment section.
[0035] The present invention may further include a display unit and
enable the display unit to display a superimposed image obtained
from the first image data and the second image data. Alternatively,
it may be controlled to display either an image obtained from the
first image data or an image obtained from the second image
data.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0036] According to the present invention, while the package is
moving, the optical image data of the wrapping can be obtained in
addition to the X-ray or terahertz-wave image data of the content.
Therefore, the relative position of the content and the wrapping of
the package can be accurately determined by using two types of
image data.
[0037] Resultantly, this makes it possible to determine whether or
not the content is caught in a seal of the wrapping or the content
is certainly enclosed in a predetermined part of the wrapping, even
if the wrapping is formed of a thin packaging material.
[0038] Moreover, since the conveyor mechanism has a gap and the X
ray or terahertz wave is allowed to pass through the gap, when
image data are taken while the package is passing above the gap, a
scratch on a conveyor belt or a foreign body attached to the
conveyor belt is prevented from being captured in the image data,
whereby clear X-ray or terahertz-wave image can be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
package inspection system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal construction of
the package inspection system according to the first
embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the internal construction of
a package inspection system according to a second embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the internal construction of
a package inspection system according to a third embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the internal construction of
a package inspection system according to a fourth embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the internal construction of
a package inspection system according to a fifth embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the internal construction of
a package inspection system according to a sixth embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 8 is an explanatory drawing showing the relationship
between wave path length of X rays and light path length of
detection light;
[0047] FIG. 9 is an explanatory drawing showing the reason why the
wave path length of X rays should be equal to the light path length
of detection light;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram of an inspection system
according to the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 11(A) shows a first image data of a content acquired by
an inspection system according to the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 11(B) shows a second image data of a wrapping acquired
by an inspection system according to the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 11(C) shows a superimposed image data produced by
superimposing the first image data of FIG. 11(A) and the second
image data of FIG. 11(B);
[0052] FIG. 12(A) shows a first image data of a content acquired by
an inspection system according to the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 12(B) shows a second image data of a wrapping acquired
by an inspection system according to the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 12(C) shows a superimposed image data produced by
superimposing the first image data of FIG. 12(A) and the second
image data of FIG. 12(B); and
[0055] FIG. 13 is an explanatory drawing showing another embodiment
of a conveyor mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, an inspection system 1 according to a
first embodiment of the present invention has a package conveyance
zone 2, an overlying upper housing 3, and a lower housing 4 placed
below the package conveyance zone 2.
[0057] The package conveyance zone 2 is formed inside an
intermediate enclosure 2a. The intermediate enclosure 2a has an
inlet 4a at one end and an outlet 4b at the other opposite end.
Each of the inlet 4a and the outlet 4b is provided with an X-ray
shielding sheet 5, so that the package conveyance zone 2 inside the
intermediate enclosure 2a becomes an electromagnetic-wave shielding
zone (X-ray shielding zone).
[0058] A conveyor mechanism 6 is provided in the package conveyance
zone 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveyor mechanism 6 is
separated into an upstream conveyor mechanism 6a and a downstream
conveyor mechanism 6b, forming a gap 6c at which a space is left
between the upstream conveyor mechanism 6a and the downstream
conveyor mechanism 6b in the moving direction.
[0059] The upstream conveyor mechanism 6a has an upstream roller 7a
and a downstream roller 7b with a conveyor belt 8a wound around
between the rollers 7a and 7b. One of the upstream roller 7a or the
downstream roller 7b is of a driving roller and the other is of a
driven roller. The downstream conveyor mechanism 6b has an upstream
roller 7c and a downstream roller 7d with a conveyor belt 8b wound
around between the rollers 7c and 7d. One of the upstream roller 7c
or the downstream roller 7d is provided to work as a driving roller
and the other is a driven roller.
[0060] The upstream conveyor belt 8a is a light transmissive belt.
For example, it is a transparent or semi-transparent belt made of a
synthetic resin or a rubber belt having a large number of apertures
regularly arranged therein. The downstream conveyor belt 8b may be
a light transmissive one or a light non-transmissive one.
[0061] The upstream conveyor belt 8a and the downstream conveyor
belt 8b travel around at the same speed. With the upstream conveyor
belt 8a travelling around, a package W1 put on an upstream end of
the upstream conveyor belt 8a is brought into the package
conveyance zone (electromagnetic-wave shielding zone) 2 through the
inlet 4a and conveyed at a constant speed leftward in the drawing
(in the F direction). Then, after passing the gap 6c, the package
W1 is received by the downstream conveyor belt 8b and brought out
of the outlet 4b with the conveyor belt 8b travelling around.
[0062] In FIG. 1, the moving direction (F direction) of the package
W1 is set as Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the
moving direction (F direction) is set as X direction. On the other
hand, the direction perpendicular to the moving direction (F
direction) is set as Z direction.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, a transfer plate 9 is placed at the gap
6c between the upstream conveyor mechanism 6a and the downstream
conveyor mechanism 6b. The transfer plate 9 employs a transparent
or semi-transparent synthetic resin plate that is formed of a
material transmissive to X rays and light at a thickness that does
not prevent the transmission. With the transfer plate 9, the
package W1 being transferred from the upstream conveyor belt 8a to
the downstream conveyor belt 8b can be easily kept in an almost
horizontal position at the gap 6c.
[0064] The upper housing 3 has an upper enclosure 3a, and an X-ray
generator 10 is housed in the upper enclosure 3a. The X-ray
generator 10 has an X-ray tube 12 housed in a sealed container 11.
The lower housing 4 has a lower enclosure 4a, and an X-ray sensor
13 is housed therein. The X-ray sensor 13 is of a line sensor, in
which an X-ray detection element extends linearly or elements are
arranged linearly in the X direction perpendicular to the moving
direction of the package W1 so as to form an X-ray detection line.
The X-ray sensor 13 may have either a single or a plurality of
X-ray detection lines extending in the X direction.
[0065] In the present embodiment, the X-ray tube 12 is used as an
electromagnetic-wave irradiation part, and the X-ray sensor 13 is
used as an electromagnetic-wave detection part. However, the
electromagnetic-wave irradiation part may irradiate terahertz
waves, and the electromagnetic-wave detection part may be composed
of elements capable of detecting terahertz waves transmitted
through the package W1.
[0066] In FIG. 2, the centerline of the X-ray detection area in
which X rays can be detected by the X-ray sensor 13 (X-ray
detection image-taking line) is indicated by L1. The X-ray
detection image-taking line (electromagnetic-wave detection
image-taking line) L1 is in a line shape joining the center of the
X-ray generator 10 and the center of the X-ray sensor 13. Moreover,
the X-ray detection image-taking line represents a detection plane
parallel to the X-Z plane rising vertically from the X-ray
detection line of the X-ray sensor 13 being a line sensor, and
therefore can be restated as X-ray detection image-taking plane. As
shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray detection image-taking line L1 of the
X-ray sensor 13 passes through the gap 6c of the conveyor mechanism
6 and extends in the Z direction perpendicular to the Y direction
being the moving direction of the package W1.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, in the upper housing 3, an optical
sensor 15 is provided as an optical detection part; in the lower
housing 4, an illumination part 16 is provided facing the optical
sensor 15. The optical sensor 15 employs a line sensor, in which a
light detection element extends linearly or elements are arranged
linearly in the X direction perpendicular to the moving direction
of the package W1 so as to form a light detection line. The optical
sensor 15 may have either a single or a plurality of light
detection lines extending in the X direction.
[0068] In FIG. 2, the centerline of the light detection area in
which light can be detected by the optical sensor 15 (light
detection image-taking line) is indicated by L2. The light
detection image-taking line L2 is in a line shape joining the
center of the optical sensor 15 and the center of the illumination
part 16. Moreover, the light detection image-taking line L2
represents a detection plane extending from the light detection
line of the optical sensor 15 with a depth in the X direction, and
therefore can be restated as light detection image-taking plane. As
shown in FIG. 2, the light detection image-taking line L2 of the
optical sensor 15 being a line sensor passes through the gap 6c of
the conveyor mechanism 6 and is inclined at an angle of less than
90 degrees with respect to the Z direction perpendicular to the
moving direction of the package W1.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray image-taking line L1 and the
light detection image-taking line L2 cross each other in the same
gap 6c. The intersection O1 of the X-ray image-taking line L1 and
the light detection image-taking line L2 is located on the surface
of the transfer plate 9, i.e., the conveyance reference plane of
the conveyor mechanism 6 (the plane joining the upper surface of
the conveyor belt 8a and the upper surface of the conveyor belt 8b)
or located above the conveyance plane within the range of the
thickness of the package W1.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, a position sensor 18 forming a position
detection part is provided in the upstream conveyor mechanism 6a.
The position sensor 18 employs an optical sensor composed of a
light-emitting part 18a and a light-receiving part 18b facing each
other. With the conveyance path of the package W1 between, the
light-emitting part 18a is placed at the upper or lower side
thereof, and the light-receiving part 18b faces it at the other
side thereof.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 1, a display unit 19 and a control panel
are provided at the front part of the upper enclosure 3a
constituting the upper housing 3. The display unit 19 may be
composed of a display panel such as color liquid crystal panel and
its driving circuit. Various types of operation buttons are
arranged on the control panel.
[0072] FIG. 10 shows a circuit block diagram illustrating the
outline of an electronic circuit provided in the inspection system
1.
[0073] A controller 20 may be composed of a CPU and a memory; the
blocks inside the controller 20 shown in FIG. 10 can be configured
by executing software installed in the CPU.
[0074] Detection output from the X-ray sensor 13 can be converted
into digital signals at an A/D converter 21a and sent to a line
data acquisition section 23 of the controller 20 via an input
interface 22a. At the line data acquisition section 23, density
data detected at the X-ray detection line of the X-ray sensor 13
can be acquired on a line-by-line basis. The density data for each
line acquired at the line data acquisition section 23 can be sent
to and accumulated at a first image data generating section 24,
thereby generating a first image data 27 composed of single picture
density data.
[0075] Detection output from the optical sensor 15 can be converted
into digital signals at an A/D converter 21b and sent to a line
data acquisition section 25 of the controller 20 via an input
interface 22b. At the line data acquisition section 25, density
data detected at the light detection line of the optical sensor 15
can be acquired on a line-by-line basis. The density data for each
line acquired at the line data acquisition section 25 can be sent
to and accumulated at a second image data generating section 26,
thereby generating a second image data 28 composed of single
picture density data.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 10, the first image data 27 generated at
the first image data generating section 24 as a density image from
the X-ray detection output can be sent to a judgment section 31, an
image synthesis section 32 and a display switching section 35. The
second image data 28 generated at the second image data generating
section 26 as a density image from the light detection output can
also be sent to the judgment section 31, the image synthesis
section 32 and the display switching section 35. The judgment
section 31 and the image synthesis section 32 allow data
interchanges or exchanges between each other.
[0077] Detection output from the position sensor 18 can be
converted into digital signals at an A/D converter 21c and sent to
the judgment section 31 and the image synthesis section 32 as
timing signals 29 via an input interface 22c.
[0078] At the image synthesis section 32, the first image data 27
and the second image data 28 are superimposed together.
Superimposed image data 33 obtained by combining two types of image
data can be sent to the display switching section 35. The
superimposed image data 33 can also be sent to the judgment section
31.
[0079] The display switching section 35 is operable to switch by
operating one of the operation buttons on the display panel. The
superimposed image data 33 or the first image data 27 or the second
image data 28 can be chosen by the display switching section 35 and
sent to a display driver 34 via an output interface 22d. The
display unit 19 can be driven by the display driver 34 so that the
screen of the display panel can display an image based on the
superimposed image data 33. Alternatively, the screen can display
an image based on the first image data 27 or an image based on the
second image data 28.
[0080] Then, the inspection procedure of the package W1 using the
inspection system 1 will be described hereinbelow.
[0081] The package W1, which is formed by enclosing a content Wa in
a wrapping Wb as shown in FIG. 11(C), is conveyed in the F
direction by the conveyor belt 8a of the upstream conveyor
mechanism 6a, passed over the transfer plate 9 at the gap 6c and
received by the conveyor belt 8b of the downstream conveyor
mechanism 6b.
[0082] The wrapping Wb of the package W1 employs a bag that is
formed of a synthetic resin film that is subjected to printing and
therefore cannot be optically seen through, a bag that is formed of
a thin metal foil such as aluminum foil and therefore cannot be
optically seen through or a bag that is formed of a laminate of a
metal foil and a synthetic resin film and therefore cannot be
optically seen through. Alternatively, it may be a bag enclosing a
tray formed of a thin synthetic resin material.
[0083] The content Wa of the package W1 may be of snack
confectionary, processed food for retort pouch, processed meat or
fish or fresh food.
[0084] When the package W1 being conveyed by the conveyor mechanism
6 passes the position sensor 18, the timing signal 29 obtained from
the detection output is sent to the judgment section 31 and the
image synthesis section 32 shown in FIG. 10.
[0085] When the package W1 passes the gap 6c of the conveyor
mechanism 6, the package W1 is irradiated with the X rays emitted
from the X-ray generator 10, so that the X rays transmitted through
the package W1 can be detected by the X-ray sensor 13. Moreover,
infrared light or visible light such as LED light is applied to the
gap 6c from the illumination part 16, so that the light can be
detected by the optical sensor 15.
[0086] The detection output from the X-ray sensor 13 is sent to the
line data acquisition section 23 of the controller 20 shown in FIG.
10, and the line image data are accumulated at the first image data
generating section 24 to generate the first image data 27. Since
the wrapping Wb of the package W1 is formed of a thin packaging
material, a large amount of X rays can be transmitted. On the other
hand, the content, since thick in thickness, reduces the amount of
X-ray transmission. The first image data 27 show the density
contrast of the detected amount of X rays; the first data image
includes image data showing the outline of the content Wa, as
illustrated in FIG. 11(A), but does not substantially include image
data showing the outline of the wrapping Wb shown in FIG.
11(B).
[0087] The detection output from the optical sensor 15 is sent to
the line data acquisition section 25 of the controller 20, and the
line image data are accumulated at the second image data generating
section 26 to generate the second image data 28. Since the wrapping
Wb of the package W1 is formed of a light non-transmissive
packaging material, the second image data 27 include an image
showing the outline of the wrapping Wb, as illustrated in FIG.
11(B), but do not include an image showing the outline of the
content Wa.
[0088] When the package W1 being conveyed in the F direction by the
conveyor mechanism 6 is detected by the position sensor 18, the
timing signal 29 teaching the detection timing is sent to the
judgment section 31 and the image synthesis section 32.
[0089] The controller 20 has a counter which begins to measure the
passage of time from the moment of receiving the timing signal 29
due to detection of the package W1. Alternatively, the counter may
begin to count the number of lines of the line image data obtained
from the X-ray sensor 13 and the line image data obtained from the
optical sensor 15 from the moment of receiving the timing
signal.
[0090] At the judgment section 31 and the image synthesis section
32, the first image data 27 and the second image data 28 are
acquired at the same timing based on the timing signal. In other
words, the image data are acquired such that the image data of the
content Wa included in the first image data 27 coincide in relative
position with the image data of the wrapping Wb included in the
second image data 28.
[0091] It should be noted that when the package W1 on the conveyor
mechanism 6 is being conveyed with its side edge inclined with
respect to the X direction, the first image data 27 and the second
image data 28 can be amended to correct the inclination within the
X-Y coordinate plane such that the side of the package W1 in the
image extends along the X direction.
[0092] FIG. 11(C) shows a superimposed image data 33 produced at
the image synthesis section 32. The superimposed image data 33 are
produced by superposing the first image data 27 and the second
image data 28 to occupy the same position based on the timing
signal from the position sensor 18. In the superimposed image data
33, the positional relationship between the image of the content Wa
and the image of the wrapping Wb shows accurately the same
positional relationship as in the moving package W1. After the
selection by the display switching section 35, the superimposed
image data 33 shown in FIG. 11(C) are sent to the display driver 34
and displayed on the display screen of the display unit 19.
[0093] At the judgment section 31 of the controller 20, the data
about the relative position of the image data of the content Wa and
the image data of the wrapping Wb are calculated based on the
superimposed image data 33 produced at the image synthesis section
32. In the example shown in FIG. 11(C), calculated are the minimum
distance S1 between the front edge of the wrapping Wb and the
content Wa, the minimum distance S2 between the rear edge of the
wrapping Wb and the content Wa, the minimum distance S3 between the
right edge of the wrapping Wb and the content Wa, and the minimum
distance S4 between the left edge of the wrapping Wb and the
content Wa.
[0094] Whether or not a part of the content Wa is caught in a seal
of the wrapping Wb can be determined by obtaining the minimum
distances S1, S2, S3 and S4. In the example shown in FIG. 11(C), it
is determined that since the minimum distance S1 between the front
edge of the wrapping Wb and the content Wa is smaller than a
predetermined threshold, there is noticed a high possibility that
at the front edge of the wrapping Wb, a part of the content Wa is
caught in a seal in which the packaging materials are bonded
together, causing a seal failure.
[0095] At the judgment section 31 of the controller 20, the
relative position of the content Wa and the wrapping Wb may also be
determined such that the parameters S1, S2, S3 and S4 are
calculated by comparing two types of image data 27 and 28 merely on
data without superposing and combining the first image data 27 and
the second image data 28.
[0096] For example, at the judgment section 31, a first group of
coordinate points composed of a plurality of coordinate points
indicating the outline of the content Wa included in the first
image data 27 are determined on the X-Y coordinates based on the
timing signal from the position sensor 18; a second group of
coordinate points composed of a plurality of coordinate points
indicating the outline of the wrapping Wb included in the second
image data 28 are also determined on the X-Y coordinates based on
the timing signal. Then, the parameters S1, S2, S3 and S4 are
calculated by comparing the first group of coordinate points and
the second group of coordinate points.
[0097] If a foreign body other than the normal content Wa, e.g., a
piece of metal is present in the wrapping Wb of the package W1,
furthermore, the foreign body in the first image data 27 can be
fetched and recognized as data different in density from the
content Wa. At the judgment section 31, therefore, it is possible
to determine the position and size of the foreign body. In the
inspection system 1, accordingly, the positional relationship
between the content Wa and the wrapping Wb can be determined and
the presence of the foreign body can also be detected by using the
first image data 27 and the second image data 28.
[0098] FIGS. 12(A) to 12(C) show image data of a package W2 having
a different configuration.
[0099] The wrapping Wc of the package W2 is formed of a light
non-transmissive packaging material and partitioned into three
storage spaces Wc1, Wc2 and Wc3. Contents Wd, We and Wf may be
different in such as food material, and when the package W2 is
normal, the content Wd is stored in the storage space Wc1, the
content We is stored in the storage space Wc2, and the content Wf
is stored in the storage space Wc3.
[0100] FIGS. 12(A) to 12(C) show image data at the time when the
package W2 is being conveyed with its side edge inclined with
respect to the moving direction (F direction).
[0101] FIG. 12(A) shows the first image data 27 of the package W2
obtained from the X-ray sensor 13. The first image data 27 include
the image data showing the outline of the contents Wd, We and Wf
but do not include the image data showing the outline of the
wrapping Wc. In the first image data 27 shown in FIG. 12(A), since
the image data of the three kinds of contents Wd, We and Wf are
arranged in an inclined state with respect to the moving direction
(F direction), it is impossible to determine whether or not the
three kinds of contents Wd, We and Wf are separately put in the
storage spaces Wc1, Wc2 and Wc3 of the package W2 in the standard
order.
[0102] At the judgment section 31, therefore, the first data image
27 and the second data image acquired at the same timing are
compared with each other based on the timing signal 29 from the
position sensor 18, thereby making it possible to determine whether
or not the three kinds of contents Wd, We and Wf are separately put
in the storage spaces Wc1, Wc2 and Wc3 of the package W2 in the
standard order.
[0103] At the judgment section, moreover, it is also possible to
determine whether or not any one of the storage spaces Wc1, Wc2 and
Wc3 of the package W2 is empty.
[0104] Furthermore, it is also possible to determine whether or not
the contents Wd, We and Wf are caught in seals separating the
storage spaces Wc1, Wc2 and Wc3 and simultaneously detect the
presence of a foreign body.
[0105] In the inspection system 1, the X-ray detection image-taking
line L1 passes through the gap 6c between the upstream conveyor
mechanism 6a and the downstream conveyor mechanism 6b. Therefore, a
scratch on the conveyor belt of the conveyor mechanism 6 or a
foreign body attached to the conveyor belt can be prevented from
being captured in the first image data 27, so that the image of the
scratch or foreign body will never be erroneously identified as a
foreign body enclosed in the package W1.
[0106] It should be noted that even if the transfer plate 9 placed
in the gap 6c has a scratch or a foreign body attached thereto,
they appear as noise data always at the same position in the first
image data 27, and the noise data can be removed by data correction
at the image synthesis section 32 or the judgment section 31, so
that they hardly cause detection errors.
[0107] Moreover, since the light detection image-taking line L2
passes through the gap 6c, the infrared light or visible light
emitted from the illumination part 16 can be applied to the package
W1 and the light having passed the package W1 can be detected by
the optical sensor 15 to generate the second image data 28. Through
the use of the transmitted light, the second image data 28 can be
generated with the outline of the wrapping Wb, Wc of the package W1
detected clearly and accurately.
[0108] In the inspection system 1, the display switching section 35
is operable to switch by operating one of the operation buttons on
the display panel. By this switching, the image only of the first
image data 27 or the image only of the second image data 28 can be
displayed on the display screen of the display unit 19.
Particularly, the image only of the second image data 28 based on
the transmitted light from the illumination part 16 can be
displayed, whereby when the wrapping Wb is formed of a light
transmissive packaging material, whether or not the content is
caught in the seal can be determined by obtaining the optical image
of the package W1.
[0109] In the inspection system 1, accordingly, the image to be
chosen may be replaced depending on the type of the wrapping Wb.
For example, when the wrapping Wb is a bag that cannot be optically
seen through, whether or not the content is caught in the seal or
the foreign body is present can be determined by acquiring both the
first image data 27 and the second image data 28 and displaying the
superimposed image; when the wrapping Wb is formed of a light
transmissive packaging material, whether or not the content is
caught in the seal or the foreign body is present can be determined
from the optical image by acquiring only the second image data
28.
[0110] Hereinbelow, other embodiments of the inspection system will
be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. In the following, the
components different from those in the inspection system 1
according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0111] In an inspection system 101 according to a second
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the illumination part 16 is located
inside the upstream conveyor mechanism 6a, and the optical sensor
15 is located right above and faced to the illumination part 16. As
a result, the light detection image-taking line L2 of the optical
sensor 15 extends perpendicular to the moving direction of the
package W1, so that the light detection image-taking line L2 and
the X-ray detection image-taking line L1 directed toward the gap 6c
extend parallel to each other.
[0112] In the inspection system 101 shown in FIG. 3, since the
light detection image-taking line L2 extends perpendicular to the
moving direction (F direction) of the packaging W1, the shape of
the wrapping Wb of the package W1 can be obtained accurately in
projection plane form.
[0113] In an inspection system 102 according to a third embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 4, an optical sensor 115 is located above the
upstream conveyor mechanism 6a. This optical sensor 115 employs an
area sensor having a number of pixels capable of obtaining a
display-sized image at one time rather than a line sensor.
[0114] Between upper and lower parts of the conveyor belt of the
upstream conveyor mechanism 6a, there is provided an illumination
part 116. The illumination part 116 is capable of illuminating a
large area including the entire package W1 as the package W1 is
passing above the illumination part 116.
[0115] In the inspection system 102 shown in FIG. 4, since the
entire image of the package W1 can be obtained simultaneously in a
bunch by the optical sensor 115, the image processing circuitry in
the controller can be simplified.
[0116] In an inspection system 103 according to a fourth
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the upstream conveyor mechanism is
further separated into a first upstream conveyor mechanism 6d and a
second upstream conveyor mechanism 6e, forming a gap 6f between the
first upstream conveyor mechanism 6d and the second upstream
conveyor mechanism 6e.
[0117] As in the first embodiment of FIG. 2, the X-ray generator 10
and the X-ray sensor 13, which is of a line sensor, face to each
other across the gap 6c between the second upstream conveyor
mechanism 6e and the downstream conveyor mechanism 6b, so that the
X-ray detection image-taking line L1 passes through the gap 6c.
Moreover, the optical sensor 15, which is of a line sensor, and the
illumination part 16 face to each other across the gap 6f between
the first upstream conveyor mechanism 6d and the second upstream
conveyor mechanism 6e, so that the light detection image-taking
line L2 of the optical sensor 15 passes through the gap 6f.
Furthermore, the X-ray detection image-taking line L1 and the light
detection image-taking line L2 extend parallel to each other.
[0118] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, since only the X-ray
sensor 13 faces toward the gap 6c, the distance of the gap 6c can
be decreased. Therefore, the transfer plate 9 is not provided for
the gap 6c.
[0119] If the distance of the gap 6c in the conveyance direction is
equal to the distance of the gap 6f in the conveyance direction,
conveyance conditions such as change in attitude as the package W1
passes the gap 6f vary little from the conveyance conditions as it
passes the gap 6c. This makes it possible for the X-ray sensor 13
and the optical sensor 15 to obtain an image of the same package W1
under almost the same conditions.
[0120] Therefore, even though the conveyor mechanism is provided
with two gaps 6c and 6f, the consistency can be maintained between
the first image data 27 and the second image data 28.
[0121] In an inspection system 201 according to a fifth embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 6, the X-ray generator 10 and the X-ray sensor 13
face to each other across the gap 6c between the upstream conveyor
mechanism 6a and the downstream conveyor mechanism 6b, and the
X-ray detection image-taking line L1 of the X-ray sensor 13 is
directed perpendicular to the moving direction (F direction) of the
package W1 at the gap 6c.
[0122] Above the gap 6c, a reflection member 41 is provided with
its reflection surface inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with
respect to the X-ray detection image-taking line L1. The light
detection image-taking line L3 of the optical sensor 15, which is
of a line sensor, is reflected by the reflection member 41, so that
the reflected light detection image-taking line L4 coincides with
the X-ray detection image-taking line L1 at the gap 6c. Below the
gap 6c, moreover, a reflection member 42 is provided such that
illumination light emitted from the illumination part 16 can be
reflected by the reflection member 42 and applied to the gap
6c.
[0123] The reflection members 41 and 42 have an optically
reflective surface and are made thin enough to transmit X rays.
[0124] In the inspection system 201 shown in FIG. 6, since both the
X-ray detection image-taking line L1 and the light detection
image-taking line L4 pass through the same gap 6c, the first X-ray
image data 27 and the second optical image data 28 of the package
W1 can be obtained under the same conditions.
[0125] In an inspection system 202 according to a sixth embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 7, the lower reflection member 42 shown in FIG. 6
is removed, and the illumination part 16 is placed alongside the
X-ray sensor 13. The X-ray detection image-taking line L1 and the
light detection image-taking line L4 extend parallel to each other
without coinciding in the gap 6c. The infrared light or visible
light emitted from the illumination part 16 passes the package W1
passing above the gap 6c and is then reflected by the reflection
member 42 and detected by the optical sensor 15.
[0126] In the inspection system 202 shown in FIG. 7, since both the
X-ray detection image-taking line L1 and the light detection
image-taking line L4 pass through the same gap 6c, the first X-ray
image data 27 and the second optical image data 28 of the package
W1 passing the gap 6c can be obtained under the same
conditions.
[0127] In the inspection system 202, the number of reflection
members can be reduced as compared with the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6. Moreover, since the lower reflection member 42, the
reflective surface of which can be easily soiled, is not employed,
the detection output from the optical sensor 15 can be kept normal
for a long period of time. Moreover, since the upper reflection
member 41 does not meet the X-ray detection image-taking line L1,
the reflection member 41 can be certainly prevented from being
deteriorated by the irradiation of X rays.
[0128] It should be noted that the transfer plate 9 is not provided
for the gap 6c in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0129] In FIG. 8, a wave path length from a conveyance reference
plane 8c (plane connecting the upper surface of the conveyor belt
8a and the upper surface of the conveyor belt 8b) to an emission
point 12a of the X-ray tube 12 in the inspection system 202
according to the sixth embodiment is indicated by H1, while a light
path length from the conveyance reference plane 8c to a detection
point 15a of the optical sensor 15 is indicated by H2+H3.
Preferably, the wave path length H1 is equal to the light path
length H2+H3. It should be noted the term "equal" as used herein
means that the dimensions are equal under the condition that the
dimensional tolerance or assembly tolerance of components is taken
into account, and therefore, they, of course, include tolerance or
error (H1.apprxeq.H2+H3).
[0130] Since the package W1 has a certain thickness, if the wave
path length H1 is different from the light path length H2+H3, the
package W1 varies in shape between the image obtained from the
first image data 27 and the image obtained from the second image
data 28.
[0131] In FIG. 9, the package W1 lying on the conveyance reference
plane 8c and the X-ray sensor 13 are shown in the X-Z plane,
wherein the wave path length H1 is different from the light path
length H2+H3. In this case, when the image of the package W1 is
taken by the X-ray sensor 13, the ratio of the width of the main
body to the width of the seal laterally protruding therefrom is
A1:B1. On the other hand, when the image of the package W1 is taken
by the optical sensor 15, the ratio of the width of the main body
to the width of the seal is Aa:Ba, so that the ratio A1:B1 is
different from the ratio Aa:Ba.
[0132] However, if H1, H2 and H3 satisfy a formula H1=H2+H3 by
making the detection point 15a coincide with the emission point
12a, the ratio A1:B1 of the image taken by the X sensor 13 and the
ratio A2:B2 of the image taken by the optical sensor 15 become a
ratio of bases of similar triangles, whereby the ratio A1:B1
becomes equal to the ratio A2:B2. Therefore, when H1.apprxeq.H2+H3,
the dimensional ratio of components such as main body and seal does
not vary between the image from the first image data 27 and the
image from the second image data 28.
[0133] The preferable relationship between the wave path length H1
and the light path length H2+H3 can be maintained in all the
foregoing embodiments.
[0134] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the conveyor belt 8A is
inclined upward in the conveyance direction at the upstream part of
the upstream conveyor mechanism 6A, while the conveyor belt 8B is
inclined downward in the conveyance direction at the downstream
part of the downstream conveyor mechanism 6B. Moreover, a shielding
plate 51 is provided above the inclined part of the upstream
conveyor mechanism 6A, while a shielding plate 52 is provided above
the inclined part of the downstream conveyor mechanism 6B, so that
an electromagnetic-wave shielding zone (X-ray shielding zone) 50 is
formed between the shielding plate 51 and the shielding plate
52.
[0135] According to the present invention, both the detection
parts, the X-ray detection part having the X-ray sensor 13 and the
optical detection part having the optical sensor 15, are placed in
the electromagnetic-wave shielding zone (X-ray shielding zone)
separated from the outside by the X-ray shielding sheets 5, as
shown in FIG. 1, or in the electromagnetic-wave shielding zone
(X-ray shielding zone) 50 that is formed by providing the conveyor
belts with the inclined parts, as shown in FIG. 13. Since the X-ray
detection and the optical detection are performed on the package W1
being conveyed inside the electromagnetic-wave shielding zone
(X-ray shielding zone), the package W1 hardly changes in attitude
as it moves between two detection parts. Therefore, the image from
the first image data 27 and the image from the second image data 28
can easily coincide in attitude.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0136] 1, 101, 102, 103, 201, 202 Inspection System [0137] 2
Package Conveyance Zone [0138] 6 Conveyor Mechanism [0139] 6a
Upstream Conveyor Mechanism [0140] 6b Downstream Conveyor Mechanism
[0141] 6c, 6f Gap [0142] 9 Transfer Plate [0143] 10 X-ray Generator
(Irradiation Part) [0144] 13 X-ray Sensor (Electromagnetic-wave
Detection part) [0145] 15 Optical Sensor (Optical Detection Part)
[0146] 16 Illumination Part [0147] 18 Position Sensor (Position
Detection Part) [0148] 19 Display Unit [0149] 20 Controller [0150]
24 First Image Data Generating Section [0151] 26 Second Image Data
Generating Section [0152] 31 Judgment Section [0153] 32 Image
Synthesis Section [0154] 41, 42 Reflection Member [0155] F Moving
Direction [0156] L1 X-ray Detection Image-taking Line
(Electromagnetic-wave Detection Image-taking Line) [0157] L2 Light
Detection Image-taking Line [0158] W1, W2 Package [0159] Wa, Wd,
We, Wf Content [0160] Wb, We Wrapping [0161] Wc1, Wc2, Wc3 Storage
Space
* * * * *